Best Buy Co., Inc. (BBY), Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT), Target Corporation (TGT): Suddenly, Everyone Loves Showrooming

Some retailers seemingly haven’t yet woken up to the threat showrooming presents. Earlier this year, mobile analytics specialist Placed studied the mobile shopping habits of some 14,000 Amazon customers, and found that they visited Bed Bath and Beyond, PetSmart, and Toys ‘R’ Us most often before making a purchase. While the home-furnishings company hasn’t publicly addressed the issue, the pet-supplies retailer has at least acknowledged Amazon’s presence, particularly after it launched Wag.com, though it says it hasn’t been a factor in its earnings efforts. I’d say that the companies ought to be keeping a closer eye on their e-commerce competition, and investors should monitor their businesses more closely.

Turning the equivalent of lemons into lemonade is an encouraging development for these retailers, but once everyone embraces showrooming, everyone is price-matching, and everyone builds up their mobile storefronts, there’s little competitive advantage left. That means, as should always have been the case, personal customer service will determine who gets the sale..

The article Suddenly, Everyone Loves Showrooming originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Rich Duprey.

Fool contributor Rich Duprey has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Amazon.com, Bed Bath & Beyond, and PetSmart. The Motley Fool owns shares of Amazon.com.

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